NEW YORK, NY Tues., September 8, 2009 – Sharpie®, the ultimate multi-tasking, backstage, must-have marker, is appearing "front of house" at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, writing a new chapter in DIY fashion history. Sharpie will debut its first-ever SHARPIE BAR on select days during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, inviting editors and attendees to grab a Sharpie marker and get creative. At the Sharpie DIY Lounge, guests become the designers. Plain white accessories, apparel items and, of course, plenty of Sharpie markers will be on hand for guests to embellish their favorite silhouettes. Betsey Johnson is lending her signature style to Sharpie's official foray into fashion, partnering with the leading marker brand to design an exclusive Betsey Johnson Sharpie Shirt. Johnson's design echoes the customization trend, letting wearers complete the design she started on the shirt by adding their own Sharpie style.

"Everything I draw, write, sign, doodle is with a Sharpie marker," said Johnson. "These days, the real fashion trend is all about expressing your individual self and style. Sharpie is the perfect tool to do just that, whether on paper, fabric, or other materials." Visitors to the SHARPIE BAR can accessorize their wardrobes with Sharpie-designed headbands, skinny ties, fashion bags, bracelets, sunglasses and more. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Sharpie Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week – Add One

guests can visit the SHARPIE BAR in the Main Lobby of the Tents from approximately 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, September 14-16. Betsey Johnson's exclusive Sharpie Shirts will be available there, free to visitors while supplies last. Erica Domesek, design and style expert and founder of the DIY brand "P.S. I made this…" will also be on hand as Sharpie's stylist, demonstrating a variety of Sharpie designs and techniques. Leading up to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Sharpie is designing personalized markers for many of the designers for their exclusive VIP use. The personalized markers feature the individual designers' logos imprinted on the marker barrels. Color selections include black, blue, green, pink, purple and magenta. Anyone can design their own personalized Sharpie markers by visiting www.mysharpie.com. Three full-page ads touting the SHARPIE BAR will appear in The Daily Front Row and include details regarding a special appearance by Johnson where she will create a Sharpie sketch in honor of breast cancer awareness. Johnson, a breast cancer survivor, has long been active in breast cancer support efforts. Johnson's canvas will be donated to City of Hope, a leading research, treatment and education center for cancer and other life-threatening diseases, along with other breast cancer-inspired canvases created by a host of top-name designers. These items will be auctioned online at www.auctionsforhope.org during October, breast cancer awareness month. All proceeds will benefit City of Hope. Sharpie has a long-standing partnership with City of Hope with sales of its Sharpie Pink breast cancer markers benefiting the Los Angeles-based cancer research center.

Beginning September 15, fashionistas can visit www.sharpieuncapped.com to view some of the amazing Sharpie fashions and accessories, along with behind-the-scenes footage and an exclusive Betsey Johnson interview. Sharpie is inviting everyone to "Uncap What's Inside™" by submitting their own Sharpie fashion creations to the site. More Sharpie fashion action will also be available by visiting Sharpie on Facebook, www.facebook.com/sharpie, You Tube, www.youtube.com/user/SharpieUS, and Twitter http://twitter.com/sharpiesusan where Sharpie will offer up-to-the minute Tweets live from the tents. Visit www.sharpieuncapped.com today and Uncap What's Inside with Sharpie.